Korean J Dermatol.  2004 Jul;42(7):939-942.

Two Cases of Congenital Preauricular Fistula

• Ko NY
• Lee HS
• Park JH
• Kye YC
• Kim SN

Abstract

Preauricular fistula is a congenital malformation that is presented as a small opening on the preauricular region. During embryonic development, six tubercles from the first and second branchial arches form the auricle, and the incomplete fusion of these tubercles results in congenital preauricular fistula. We report two cases of congenital preauricular fistula manifested as soft nodules with external openings on the preauricular area. It is apt to give rise to recurrent inflammation, so total fistulectomy with a curved incision along the crus of the ear helix was performed. Histopathologically, the fistulas were lined with stratified squamous epithelium, and skin adnexa and elastic cartilage were also present.

Keyword

Congenital preauricular fistula